how many cichlids is enough?

[azadehm1]

I have had my 29 gallon tank for quite awhile but my fish are just so reclusive most of the time. I have one Jack Dempsey who is quite large (4'') and his friend a orange african type. Also in this tank I have a red tailed shark. Everyone gets along very well and the shark is the only one who sometimes nips at this friends.
My problem is that everyone seems so scared all the time, even though the tank is set away from traffic or light extremes and the fish seem to always be very healthy since I've had all three of them for over a year and a half. They seem scared even at feeding time. (they wait till I leave to eat)
Should I add some new cichlids to shake things up? I'd like to actually see the cichlids sometimes.
What am I doing wrong? I would appreciate any of your input.

 

[DeRo316]

The jack dempsey will get waaay to big for a 29(10 inches), and is also a South American cichlid which likes softer water than the african cichlid you have. The african would also benefit from a larger tank and will become very aggressive toward the dempsey and shark in the coming time. The red tailed shark is from asia and can be fine with a dempsey but in a larger tank.

My suggestion would be choose different fish for the 29, put either the dempsey and shark in a 55 gallon, and return the african. OR keep the african and start an african cichlid tank(minimum 55) and get around 10 more fish(other malawis), and return the dempsey and shark.

 

[scott foster]

Dude, I have a 55 with 12 aferican ciclids. All doing very good (except 1) and I have spent alot of time with the rock caves and looks. Your tank reminds me alot of mine. Even I dont like plants in aquariums I have to admit. Your tank looks better than mine. You have a awsome looking 55gal. ciclid tank. I have no wood in mine has it caused you any problems with your water numbers or anything? And what is your ph?

 

[blkwdw13]

Dude, I have a 55 with 12 aferican ciclids. All doing very good (except 1) and I have spent alot of time with the rock caves and looks. Your tank reminds me alot of mine. Even I dont like plants in aquariums I have to admit. Your tank looks better than mine. You have a awsome looking 55gal. ciclid tank. I have no wood in mine has it caused you any problems with your water numbers or anything? And what is your ph?

I thought you where talking about the OP at first and I was like what he has some big issues in his tank that DeRo cover, then I realized you were talking about DeRo tank and he does have a nice tank.

 

[scott foster]

He does have a very good looking tank. I want to find out more about putting driftwood in a tank. To me it seems like it could cause problems. But it looks awsome.

 

[blkwdw13]

I have a large piece of driftwood in my tank and it doesn't affect anything, the fish even like staying around it.